Michael Turner Passes Away

By Matt Brady June 28, 2008 05:19am ET

Michael Turner Passes Away

From Aspen Comics' Vince Hernandez

Hello all,

Unfortunately it's with great sadness that I must inform everyone that
Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27th at
approximately 10:42 pm in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing
with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More
details concerning Turner's passing, and services, will be given
shortly.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner's family is encouraged to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.

C/O Michael Turner

5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111

Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to please send to Michael Turner's requested charities:

Turner was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma (a bone-based cancer that
attacks the cartilage) in March of 2000, which ultimately cost him his
right hip, a portion of his pelvis and several pounds of bone. Turner
was very open about his cancer, making convention appearances
throughout the entire time, and never giving in to the illness.

Mike got his major break in comics at Top Cow, where he made his name as the artist on Witchblade
with a look that was reminiscent of studio founder Marc Silvestri, but
was all his own. His work was highly in demand throughout his career,
and he was a frequent cover artist for a diverse number of series over
the years. Turner’s style influenced many artists in the new
millennium, probably more than Turner himself ever realized.

Turner’s creator-owned Fathom debuted in 1998, and in 2002, he left Top
Cow to found his own Aspen MLT, Inc. where he saw Fathom resurface,
along with other projects such as Soulfire and Ekos. Turner had done a
significant portion of work at DC early in the decade, providing covers
for Identity Crisis and Flash,
as well as for the “Godfall” arc in the Superman titles (which he
co-wrote), and the interior art for “Supergirl from Krypton” in Superman/Batman,
where he and writer Jeph Loeb re-introduced Supergirl into the modern
DC Universe. More recently, he had been providing variant covers for
Marvel titles, such as next month’s Uncanny X-Men #500. At his
most recent convention appearances, both Turner, and later Aspen
representatives spoke of how the artist was eager to complete his
obligations to other companies, so he could finally get back to work on
his own projects at Aspen.

Despite his illness, Turner was one of the most upbeat people at
conventions and in the industry. He always radiated a sense of
humility and gratitude to his fans, and always had time for a quick
chat or a smile. In an industry that can and has beat the happiness out
of many creators, Mike was resistant to it, and was ever happy to work and
talk to his fans, and even talk to the press. From the first moment you met
him, you were his friend, and he treated you like he'd known you all his
life.

Since his initial diagnosis in 2000, Turner had several ups and downs,
but, surely thanks in part to his positive attitude, he was seen as the
guy who was going to beat it, and be drawing for years to come - he
just had to kick this thing first. Mike was 37.

Newsarama extends its deepest condolences to Mike’s friends and family. He will be missed.